Sanctions and Embargos
- Are you lost in the sanctions jungle?
- Are you confronted with sanctions or embargos which are impeding your business?
- Are you uncertain whether you are permitted to conduct business with your business partners?
- Do you require a thorough sanctions or embargo analysis?
SANCTIONS AND EMBARGOS
- Are you lost in the sanctions jungle?
- Are you confronted with sanctions or embargos which are impeding your business?
- Are you uncertain whether you are permitted to conduct business with your business partners?
- Do you require a thorough sanctions or embargo analysis?
Services
Austrian and international companies in Austria and their business partners are facing numerous challenges and numerous risks in the current sanctions environment. The sanctions which have been imposed since February 2022, are difficult to apprehend fully and many situations may not be clearly answered in light of manyfold ambiguities in the legal texts.
The sanctions imposed include the following restrictions:
- Movement of goods and provision of services
- Access to capital and financial markets
- Payment transactions
In order to avoid sanctions violations that could not only result in high administrative penalties but which may also be prosecuted in court we are happy to assist you:
- Analysis of your transactions and circumstances in light of the sanctions regime
- Applying for individual exemptions and licenses
- Assisting with question of locking or unlocking frozen business accounts
- Sanctions monitoring – EU, US and UK
- Due diligence of business partners
WORLDWIDE COMPLIANCE
At rk partners, we provide tailored legal expertise to help businesses navigate the intricate web of international sanctions and compliance requirements.
Belarus
EU sanctions on Belarus target its close economic ties with Russia, aimed at preventing circumvention of existing measures. The latest sanctions package, adopted in 2025, mirrors those on Russia and introduces anti-circumvention tools like due diligence mechanisms and re-export restrictions. Key measures include arms embargoes, asset freezes, and restrictions on dual-use goods, financial transactions, and transport. Exemptions for humanitarian purposes remain available.
Iran
Iran faces a wide array of EU and UN sanctions related to human rights violations, nuclear non-proliferation, and military support to Russia and armed groups. Measures include asset freezes, arms embargoes, restrictions on telecommunications equipment, and prohibitions on dual-use goods. Our expertise ensures compliance while addressing challenges like monitoring human rights-related sanctions or navigating exemptions for humanitarian needs.
Iraq
UN sanctions on Iraq primarily focus on protecting cultural heritage and maintaining an arms embargo. While most measures were lifted in 2003, targeted asset freezes on former regime officials and restrictions on cultural property trade remain. We assist clients in navigating these niche restrictions with precision and understanding of their historical context.
Myanmar (Burma)
Sanctions on Myanmar have evolved significantly, with measures expanded in response to ongoing human rights violations and the 2021 military coup. These include arms embargoes, asset freezes, and restrictions on dual-use goods and military cooperation. With experience in navigating these complex sanctions, we provide clear strategies for compliance and leveraging humanitarian exemptions.
Russia
The EU has implemented extensive sanctions against Russia, targeting destabilizing actions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These include asset freezes, dual-use goods bans, financial restrictions, and trade measures on LNG, transport, and media. The sanctions framework, updated in 2025, emphasizes combating hybrid campaigns and circumvention efforts. Our firm specializes in mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with these intricate measures.
Türkiye
In response to unauthorized drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, the EU imposed targeted sanctions on Türkiye in 2025. These measures focus on asset freezes and restrictions on individuals and entities involved. Our team provides guidance on navigating these targeted sanctions, particularly in industries impacted by natural resource exploration.
Ukraine
EU sanctions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and parts of Ukraine emphasize asset freezes, restrictions on goods and services, and financial measures. Updated in 2025, these measures reinforce the EU’s non-recognition policy and extend to all non-government-controlled areas. We support businesses in understanding and implementing these sanctions while utilizing available exemptions for humanitarian activities.
Why choose us
We are dealing with the Austrian sanctions authorities on a daily basis
- Austrian National Bank for Bank and Financing related sanctions
- Our international team of experts with many years of experience includes lawyers and legal experts from Russia and Ukraine who are also able to provide advice in their native language.
- We have a strong national and international network. We coordinate and arrange legal advice across borders.
- We have technical experts analysing export goods in light of dual use restrictions.
- We are assuming sanctions guarantor function vis-à-vis the regulator – such as in relation to assets held with Euroclear Bank SA in Belgium.
- We have our own custom made IT solutions in relation to sanctions checks which complement our World Check inquiries.
- We will implement any required solution. We have in our team former Big4 partner, auditors and financial advisors. We will service you 360 degrees.
Media & Social
Recent posts in the media and on social media.
Scientific articles
EU-Sanktionen – Transaktionen mit Korrespondenzbanken
- Ecolex 10/2024, 817-904
- Röper, Fischl, Winter
Konzern- und Kontrollbegriff des 5aa der VO 833/2014
- ZASA 2024, 586
- Röper, Fischl, Winter
Der Einlagebegriff im Zusammenhang mit Korrespondenzbankbeziehungen im Sanktionsrecht
- ZFR 2024/224, Heft 11/2024
- Röper, Fischl, Winter
Experts
Co-Heads
We have a strong CIS desk with Austrian and CIS qualified lawyers. We know your particular needs and are ready to help you.
Lukas Röper
Lukas Roeper is one of Austria’s leading experts in providing legal advice and transactional services to international and domestic clients with more than 15 years of experience in international banks, law firms and commercial law firms. Before establishing rk partners, he and the team moved to PHH from PwC, where he was head of the Financial Services division. Previous positions include those of General Counsel, Regulatory SPOC, Corporate Secretary and Head of Participations at international banks and he held various supervisory board positions. He is a university lecturer and frequent speaker at events and seminars.
Lukas advises clients in all areas of sanctions and embargo laws. Lukas has a particular focus on advising banks and bank’s clients in relation to frozen assets. His background in banks particularly serves his clients. He is regularly representing clients before regulators. Lukas has a further strong focus on the peculiarities of oil and gas sanctions as well as general import and export restrictions.
Victoria Fischl
Victoria Fischl is a partner specializing in sanctions and embargo laws, providing legal counsel to blue-chip companies in Austria and Europe. She is one of the most sought-after advisors on the latest sanctions regimes, with expertise in identifying potential sanctions risks, developing strategies, and offering accurate legal recommendations. Victoria advises clients in the manufacturing, oil and gas, and banking sectors on transactions and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance with international sanctions.
She assists international clients entering the Austrian market and establishing family offices, aligning her legal advice with their business objectives within sanctions laws. An accomplished academic, Victoria is a university lecturer on Banking M&A at the University of Vienna and regularly publishes on banking M&A, regulation, energy law, and sanctions.
The Team
Dominik Kurzmann
Dominik Kurzmann is one of Austria's leading experts in sanctions and embargo laws, offering 360° legal and business consulting expertise. With over 10 years of experience in international banks, law firms, Big4 advisory firms, and corporates, he specializes in energy law, M&A, banking and financial services, and corporate advisory services—all with a strong focus on sanctions compliance. As head of the Energy Desk, Dominik advises on energy law, market entry, and complex transactions, ensuring compliance with sanctions. He provides end-to-end consulting on energy projects, M&A, and power strategies, backed by business, financial, and technical advisory services. An author and lecturer, he and his team are recognized in international rankings like Legal500.
Michael Binder
Michael Binder is an expert in sanctions and embargo laws, capital market transactions, securities law, banking law, and real estate. With extensive experience advising private and listed companies as well as financial institutions, he provides tailored solutions for complex legal issues related to international sanctions. Having served as general counsel in various banks and worked at international law firms, Michael brings in-depth knowledge of capital market regulation, securities issuance, prospectus liability, and compliance measures. His background enables him to support clients effectively in navigating regulatory challenges, particularly those related to sanctions and embargoes.
Verena Heffermann
Verena Heffermann is a lawyer specializing in sanctions and embargo laws, corporate law, company law, and commercial law with over 20 years of international experience. As a business economist and certified tax advisor, she integrates tax considerations into M&A, restructuring, financing, corporate governance, compliance, and especially sanctions-related matters. Known for her expertise in corporate restructurings under sanctions constraints, she guides clients through complex adjustments with precision. Fluent in German, English, French, and with knowledge of Russian, she assists clients in international contexts, ensuring they navigate sanctions laws effectively.
Siegbert Nagl
Siegbert Nagl is a qualified tax advisor specializing in sanctions and embargo compliance, international tax structuring, transfer pricing, and wealth succession. Formerly the head of the Private Clients division at PwC Austria and the tax department at OMV, he has deep expertise in foundations, family offices, asset structuring, group tax law, risk management, financing, and controlling, all with a keen focus on sanctions implications. His strength lies in combining tax expertise with a business perspective to provide holistic solutions, ensuring compliance with international sanctions and regulatory requirements.
Florian Neuner
Florian Neuner is a dedicated trainee lawyer specializing in sanctions and embargo laws, civil law, contract law, corporate and company law. During his studies at the University of Vienna, he gained valuable experience as a legal assistant in specialized law-firms and in a start-up focused on litigation financing. Later, as a paralegal at a prominent law firm specializing in civil, corporate, and real estate law, Florian regularly represented clients before courts and authorities, gaining hands-on litigation experience. He is now expanding his expertise in all matters related to international sanctions, learning from the best. Fluent in German and English he delivers clear, client-focused solutions.
Christian Dorrer
Christian Dorrer is an attorney-at-law specializing in sanctions and embargo laws, international dispute resolution, and complex litigation and arbitration proceedings. He represents clients in corporate law disputes and various commercial conflicts, particularly those related to international sanctions compliance. Christian has deep expertise in foundation law, real estate, construction disputes, and sanctions compliance. He represents clients in banking disputes and international arbitration (VIAC, ICC, SIAC, etc.), often handling sanctions-related cases. A University of Vienna graduate, he frequently publishes on commercial law and sanctions.
Rankings
IFLR 1000 – M&A
rk partners is honored to be recognized as notable in M&A by IFLR1000. Since the firm’s founding in 2023, our team, led by Dr. Lukas Röper and Dr. Dominik Kurzmann, has built a solid market position. We thank IFLR1000 for this recognition and look forward to continuing our dedicated support for our clients in the M&A sector.
IFLR 1000 – BANKING AND FINANCE
rk partners is pleased to be recognized as notable in Banking and Finance by IFLR1000. Since our founding in 2023, our team, led by Dr. Lukas Röper and Dr. Dominik Kurzmann, has established a strong position in the finance sector. We thank IFLR1000 for this recognition and are motivated to continue delivering exceptional advice to our clients in Banking and Finance.
JUVE – 2/5 STARS IN PUBLIC LAW
Since our founding in 2023, we have, according to JUVE, “immediately taken a relevant market position,” with a team led by Dr. Lukas Röper and Dr. Dominik Kurzmann. JUVE highlights our strengths in sanctions advice, banking M&A, and private wealth, with expertise in financing, energy law, and regulatory matters.
Dr. Lukas Röper is recognized for his regulatory competence in banking M&A and releasing frozen funds or securities. Dr. Dominik Kurzmann’s work in energy financing, notably photovoltaic credit documentation, is also highly commended.
JUVE – 2/5 STARS IN BANKING AND FINANCE
Since our launch in early 2023, JUVE commends our integration of public law with transactional and financing expertise. Our energy law practice, led by Dr. Dominik Kurzmann, is pivotal, supporting clients like Wien Energie and leading wind and solar initiatives, particularly energy communities and cooperatives, by combining civil and administrative law expertise.
Dr. Lukas Röper was recognized for his depth in sanctions law, representing clients across Belgium and Germany in complex regulatory matters involving frozen assets and securities.
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Sanctions and Embargos
Attorney specialised in sanctions and embargos
Sanctions are an important tool that governments use to exert pressure on other countries for a variety of reasons, including political disagreements, human rights violations or economic policies. In recent years the use of sanctions has become increasingly common. This resulted in uncertainties for many companies as well as the need for quick decision making. As attorneys specialized in sanctions and embargos we help clients navigate these complex legal situations.
Sanctions Advice for Corporations
When it comes to sanctions against countries like Russia, we can help clients in several ways. As attorneys specialised in sanctions we first and foremost provide guidance on the legal framework surrounding sanctions, including the relevant laws and regulations, as well as any guidance issued by the relevant government agencies. This is essential for clients who may be subject to sanctions or who may be actively doing business or are considering doing business with sanctioned entities.
One of the primary challenges of navigating sanctions is the fact that they can be highly complex and may change on a moments notice. We keep our clients up to date on the latest developments, including changes to sanctions regimes and new designations of sanctioned individuals and entities. Our clients benefit from our deep understanding of the legal and political dynamics that underpin sanctions, as well as the ability to quickly analyse and interpret new developments as they arise.
Lawyers specialised in Sanction Licences
Another important role we take as lawyers specialised in sanctions and embargos is to help our clients navigate the various licensing regimes that may be in place. These regimes can allow for certain types of transactions or activities that would otherwise be prohibited under sanctions law. These laws and regulations can be highly specific and require careful analysis and planning to ensure compliance. We help clients identify the appropriate licenses, complete the necessary application processes, and ensure ongoing compliance with the terms of the license.
In addition to these more technical aspects of navigating sanctions, we also provide strategic advice to our clients on how to manage the broader risks associated with doing business in sanctioned countries or with sanctioned entities. This can include advice on possible reputational damages, political risks, and other factors that may impact our clients ability to successfully navigate the current sanctions landscape. Thanks to our expertise in international trade and investment law we also provide guidance on alternative markets or investment opportunities that may be available to a client looking to diversify his portfolios or reduce their exposure to risks stemming from sanctions.
Law Firm specialised in International Sanction Law based in Vienna
As a law firm based in Austria – Vienna specialised in sanctions we understand the sometimes critical situations companies can face when suddenly confronted with embargos as the stakes are high for both individuals and companies that run afoul of these legal regimes. By providing sound legal advice, staying up to date on the latest developments, and offering strategic guidance on how to manage the risks associated with sanctions, we help clients to navigate these complex legal regimes while still achieving their business objectives.
